BWCA Canoeing Trips
Boundary Waters Canoeing Trips are the perfect family getaway. Families have been coming to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) for nearly a century enjoying some of the best canoeing in the most beautiful place in the world.
The Quetico-Superior was made for the canoe. The terrain has been crafted by the ice age sculptor. With over 2,000 interconnected lakes the possibilities for wilderness travel are endless. When the Boundary Waters Canoe Area was added to the Federal Wilderness Preservation System, it was widely perceived as a fisherman’s paradise. The area was known for its legendary smallmouth and walleye populations. As the knowledge of this incredible area spread, the wilderness has become known for much more than fishing.
To many it is the chance to turn back the hands of time and see the canoe country just as the Native Americans and the earliest Voyageurs. It is the opportunity to experience true solitude, and to explore your natural surroundings at a relaxed pace. There are no prescribed “Hours of Operation.” No schedule to keep. This is wilderness camping and paddling the way it was done 100 years ago (with a few modern conveniences added).
The Canoe Country must be taken seriously. Many Canoeists have had the opportunity to experience nature in all her fury. The Boy Scout motto of Be Prepared is very appropriate in Canoe Country. It is also up to each canoeist to do their best to protect the wilderness for our progenitors and bring only the highest outdoor ethics to this great wilderness.
WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS
Whether you desire to travel 3 miles or 300, we can accommodate you. Many of our guests will pack up every morning and move on to the next site paddling and portaging from one lake to the next. For these trips, the fun is in the travel. They love to see new country and experience some of the magnificent natural wonders that abound in the wilderness area. They realize that they have to break camp and move their equipment and canoes to the next campsite and set up camp again. We have all the right gear and equipment to facilitate these trips. Lightweight Kevlar canoes, filling and tasty trail food and durable, compact camping gear are needed for these trips.
WILDERNESS BASE CAMPS
One of the greatest challenges an outfitter in Canoe Country faces is trying to convince their visitors that often times, more is just more, not necessarily better. Meaning, you don’t have to travel a long distance to have a wonderful experience in the Boundary Waters. Many of our guests will go into the woods, travel a couple of lakes, do a couple portages, find a great campsite, and park there. This allows them to establish a comfortable camp and maximize their time relaxing. If you are a fisherman, this also allows you to spend a whole lot more time fishing. You never have to worry about finding a vacant campsite, having dry firewood, or getting the tent set up before dark. This type of trip is perfect for families with young kids, seniors that don’t have Sherpas, and fisherman that actually want to catch fish.
WHAT DOES OUTFITTING MEAN IN CANOE COUNTRY?
Many new visitors are not exactly sure what an “Outfitter” can do for them. We live in a “do it yourself” age, and no one wants to pay for things they don’t need, or feel like they have been taken advantage of. So let’s talk for just a moment about what it is that an outfitter can help you with.
First, they will help you come up with a plan. This is the key to a great trip. In a 2 million acre wilderness area with 2,000+ lakes, it really helps to have someone that can tell you about different routes and conditions, as well as help direct you to areas where you are most likely to satisfy your expectations.
Second, they will help secure your entry permits for you and facilitate all the paperwork requirements, e.g. Remote Area Border Crossing documents, fishing licenses, etc. True you can obtain these on your own, but often times there are glitches in the various systems and bureaucracies and we are experienced at helping resolve these sticky issues.
Third, we have the right canoes for canoe country, and importantly, they are equipped the right way, with appropriate seats and portage yokes. You do NOT want to be out in woods and have your canoe fall apart. NOT GOOD!
Fourth, we have a complete array of gear and equipment for your camping trip. We have the best in tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, packs, tarps, cooking gear, stoves and basically anything else you need to go camping in a very unforgiving wilderness area.
Fifth, we can provide all your food for the trip. We have the best menu of trail food available. It includes fresh food such as steaks and bacon and eggs. It also has a wide variety of some of the best freeze-dried food available. You simply fill out a menu, submit it online and the food is packed and ready for you when you get here.
Sixth, we serve as a great base of operations. We can provide first and last night lodging in our bunkhouse, dinner and breakfast in our dining room, transportation to and from your entry points.
Finally, we are your safety net. Our most serious responsibility is to make sure our guests are armed with all the information they need to complete a safe and fun trip. We have an insured parking lot where you can leave your vehicle. We coordinate any messages that come from folks back home. Should there be any problems in the woods, we are here to make sure all the help you need gets to you.